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US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations, stating they are "going along very well," despite no significant breakthroughs in the latest round of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Qatar. The discussions, held in Doha, are set to resume on Tuesday, but a Palestinian source close to the negotiations told the BBC that no progress has been made.
Speaking to reporters during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday evening, Trump highlighted his belief that a deal could be reached soon, potentially within the week. However, a Palestinian official described the talks as stagnant, accusing the Israeli delegation of lacking a mandate to negotiate meaningfully. "The negotiations haven't made any headway, not even an inch," the official said, dismissing media reports of progress as "delusional" and "misleading." The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu also touched on controversial proposals to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. Trump claimed support from neighbouring countries for the plan, while Netanyahu said he was working with the US to find nations willing to offer Palestinians "a better future." He added that those wishing to leave Gaza should be able to, while those who stay would remain under Israeli security control. Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to Palestinian statehood, stating Israel would "always" maintain control over Gaza's security. The relocation proposals have drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations, Arab leaders, human rights groups, and Western governments, with the UN warning that forcible transfer of civilians from occupied territory is illegal and akin to "ethnic cleansing." Egypt and other Arab nations have instead proposed large-scale reconstruction in Gaza, with temporary housing for residents. In a separate development, Israel’s defence minister announced plans to relocate Gaza’s 2 million residents to a camp in the south after screening for Hamas operatives, a move described by an Israeli human rights lawyer as a "crime against humanity." The ceasefire proposal under discussion involves a 60-day truce, with Hamas releasing 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 others in five stages. In return, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners and withdraw from parts of Gaza, where it currently controls about two-thirds of the territory. During the meeting, Netanyahu nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, praising his efforts to broker peace in the region. The Israeli leader’s visit, his third to the White House since Trump’s return to office, follows a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran after a 12-day conflict, which some believe has created a more favorable environment for resolving the Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, violence continues in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces reported the deaths of five soldiers in a roadside bomb attack in Beit Hanoun, while Hamas claimed responsibility for the operation. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reported 52 Palestinian deaths in the past 24 hours due to Israeli strikes. Protesters waving Palestinian flags gathered outside the White House during Netanyahu’s visit, reflecting ongoing tensions surrounding the conflict.
